The Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust Charity Christmas Appeal 2023 is officially open.

We know that Christmas is just around the corner, and our Christmas appeal is the perfect way to spread some festive cheer by inviting inviting local communities to give a gift to our young patients at University Hospital Lewisham (UHL) and Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).

We are asking for online donations to enable us to purchase items such as:

- Much needed equipment, educational toys, arts and craft supplies, and sensory Items.

- To help improve the experience of these young patients this winter and beyond.

For those young patients who are spending Christmas in our hospitals, you can also help make a difference by donating new toys in the original packaging such as baby toys, educational toys, arts and crafts sets, board games and toiletries gift sets. The Trust Charity asks that you do not wrap your gifts and are unable to accept cuddly toys.

Toys can be dropped off at University Hospital Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s main reception, between 10am and 3pm each day until 22 December.

Robert Cole, Head of Nursing for Children and Young People explained:

“We believe that every child deserves to experience the magic of Christmas and the toy appeal steps in to help Father Christmas do this for children and young who have to spend it in hospital. Each year, we hold a Christmas toy appeal, and we are grateful to our local communities for their generous donations. We understand that these are difficult times, but if you do have some spare change, please consider donating to our toy appeal. Making a patient's stay with us a little bit brighter is always lovely, especially at this time of year when they might really miss home.”

Margarita Vidiella, Head of Charity and Volunteers explains how you can help:

“This festive season we are making a plea that you once again get behind us and support our toy appeal. It is a great way to let our children and young people in the hospital know they are being thought of this Christmas and beyond to brighten their day. Some of our younger patients spend weeks or months in our hospitals and your help will enhance their stay. There are several ways you can get involved with the toy appeal, we are accepting cash donations via our Just Giving page, or you can drop off a Christmas gift at the hospitals.”

For more information or to join our cause please visit www.lgtcharity.org.uk